Freelance fashion stylist Alexandra Stedman, otherwise known as the Frugality, says there are certain wardrobe staples that she goes to the retailer for: mainly cashmere ("the joggers are fantastic") and "comfortable (but stylish!)" shoes."But for me, the coat department is the strongest," says the blogger, from London."I am wearing a faux fur leopard print one from last year right now that sold out almost immediately."Instagram influencers, like Stedman, have thousands of "followers" on social media and they use this clout to promote products. Sometimes they are paid by retailers to advertise brands.Skip Instagram post by thefrugalityView this post on InstagramA good way to transition into A/W whilst it’s still mild is to wear your favourite tee with your new season ?69 coat ?? #TheFrugality A post shared by Alex Stedman (@thefrugality) on Sep 8, 2018 at 9:07am PDTReportEnd of Instagram post by thefrugalityhttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/socialembed/https://www.instagram.com/p/BneKTjLFyi_/~/news/uk-46122488" width="599" height="1035">thefrugalityReport

Blogger Debbie Le, of thefashionablepan, says M&S is "definitely going the right way in terms of its diversity and targeting a younger wider audience"."I think them using bloggers and real women of all different shapes, age and size has helped that too," she says."They're nailing it with their must-have ranges and the fit and quality has been a breath of fresh air."With the role of influencer of course comes the perks - and Le and her daughter were one of the lucky ones who were gifted the M&S jumpsuit.It caused a "right mayhem" in the summer, she says.Skip Instagram post by thefashionablepanView this post on InstagramSome exciting news!!!! Look what’s coming soon to @marksandspencerfashionpr..... Stay tuned as I will be revealing when this little star print jumpsuit will be available and how you can win one for your little mini me ??#twinningiswinning #mymarks #exclusive . . . . . . . #jumpsuit #playsuit #polkadots #navy #flares #AW18 #currentfashion #styleblogger #styleinspo #ootd #mygirl #twinning #outfitshare #outfitoftheday #outfitinspo #casualstyle #smartchic #mumstyle #mumoftwo #fashionmum #navyjumpsuit #instafashion #trends #mother #stylishgirl #fashionable #gift A post shared by Debbie Le (@thefashionablepan) on Aug 18, 2018 at 1:20pm PDTReportEnd of Instagram post by thefashionablepanM&S has some great clothes, but...Parenting and lifestyle blogger Harriet Shearsmith - of tobyandroo - thinks the retailer needs to diversify more and market an additional message. She has never worked with the brand."M&S has some beautiful clothes. I think they have a range out there that is suited to far more people than they market to," the 29-year-old from North Yorkshire says. "But they are lacking that additional message."I don't really see any brand value. I think there is an attitude that it is for older people, for people who have a bit more cash."I would want to know a bit more about the brand."River Island's recent campaign about body confidence and positivity is a great example of something she would like to see M&S do.Skip Instagram post 2 by thefrugalityView this post on InstagramYep, Autumn I’m ready for you ? A post shared by Alex Stedman (@thefrugality) on Sep 3, 2018 at 11:37am PDTReportEnd of Instagram post 2 by thefrugalityhttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/socialembed/https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRjeuhniXN/~/news/uk-46122488" width="599" height="1018">thefrugalityReport

But, you can't please everyone, says Stedman, who has worked with M&S in the past, but is not currently paid by them."I think the collection is too vast, they're trying to please everyone which just isn't possible with fashion," she says."I think merchandising in key - I would like to see more of the trend led pieces in the front of the store and not so much bulk of the same trouser style in different leg lengths on one long rail."In central London, where I shop, this is definitely working."I think the online shopping experience could be better, too."Skip Instagram post 2 by thefashionablepanView this post on InstagramDress is @marksandspencerfashionpr Coat is @anotherlabelnewamsterdam That’s it really. Have a fab weekend ? . . . . . . #chicstyle #pussybow #checkcoat #styleover40 #fashionover40 #enabler #marksandspencer #mididress #aw18 #stylish40s #yellowdress #instaoutfit #laidbackstyle #styleblogger #styleinspo #mumoftwo #mystyle #iger #ootdinspo #outfitshot #trends #stylehunter #outfitideas #ootdfashion #aw18 #fblogger #genz #mumstyle #mustardyellow #mymarks A post shared by Debbie Le (@thefashionablepan) on Oct 6, 2018 at 1:24am PDTReportEnd of Instagram post 2 by thefashionablepanhttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/socialembed/https://www.instagram.com/p/Bolbf06BnDt/~/news/uk-46122488" width="599" height="1108">thefashionablepanReport

Stock availability is important too, says Le."Once they gift something to an influencer they need to back that stock," she says."Followers trust influencers and they get frustrated when they can't get hold of it. Well I know that's happened with me."Social media influencers hold the powerSkip Instagram post by tobyandrooView this post on InstagramQuestion ?: have you even had a movie night in with the kids if they haven’t spilt at least 1 drink and demanded 192 snacks? It’s half term here and I am so grateful to have stocked up on new Plenty Handy Towels to wipe up the spillages and clean their mucky hands... BEFORE they wipe them on me... ? What’s the worst thing your kids have ever spilt/made a mess with? AD #handytoweltips #DocumentingMotherhood #Uniteinmotherhood #colourfulmotherhood #b1withmoms #mothershape #mamatribevibes A post shared by Harriet Shearsmith (@tobyandroo) on Oct 29, 2018 at 12:44pm PDTReportEnd of Instagram post by tobyandroohttps://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/socialembed/https://www.instagram.com/p/Bph3sSWHQx1/~/news/uk-46122488" width="599" height="1108">tobyandrooReport

Shearsmith agrees that Instagram marketing has become a "significant" way of reaching customers.She says she is regularly approached by brands - but doesn't work with all that approach her."It shows people are interested in what influencers are wearing," she says."We are social in the way we are shopping. Now brands are working up to that."So, will things turn around for M&SRetailingInstagramFashionMarks & SpencerSocial media

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